Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1887-05-30
THE NATIONAL DRILL.

not less than 10000 people. As it had been
on the preceding days of the week the rain
fell often and sometimes heavily. The com.
petitors in the company drills were Compa.
nv B, First Virginia, Nealy Rifles, of Maine;
the National Rifles, District of Columbia
Company D, of st. Paul, Company A, Fifth
Rhode Island, Company I, Second Michigan,
Worcester City Guards, of Worcester, ONO,
and Fort Wayne Rifles.
The Virginia company only made an av
erage record and that of the Maine COM
pany, owing to several conspicuous blum
ders, fell somewhat below the average. The
National Rifles came on at ii o'clock, and
caused the fret ripple Of enthusiasm among
the spectators.
The cadet drill, which began at o'clock,
was performed by the Peekskill, n. Y, St.
Johns Academy, of this city, Bethel Acade.
my, of Fauquier, Maryland Agricultural
College, Cayuga Lake, n. Y, Michigan Mill
tary Academy, and Washington High School
bows.
During The drill ofthe st. Johns Academy
bows it began to sprinkle, then it rained,
then the water fell in buckeifuls. The
harder it raned the better seemed to be the
drilling. Right and left they wheeled, now
almost out of sight, then back at the double
quick to the front. The climax was reach
ed when at the word "Gre lying down" the
lads sprawled face down on the wet grass
and snapped away at nothing as cheerlly as
if they were so many frogs at play. They
were still at it when the rain ceased.
The Virginia Brigade have returned 10
their homes. Their departure takes from
~ m -, tbo Ia cipo1o ho1u IF man III
contained. They all left Saturday, with the
exception Of the brigade officers and one
comrany-the Woodstock Guards. Virginia,
although somewhat behind some ofthe other
States in National Guard affairs, made a
very handsome showing in the camp.
The brigade dress parade given Friday even
ing was very creditable and was highly
complimented by the army officers who wit
messed it. The main object of Virginia in
sending her troops was to teach them the
duties of camp life and not to take prizes,
but, Notwithstanding this fact. they will
take the magnificent stand of colors to be
awarded for regimental inspection. Col.
Stern, Inspector General of the State, says:
1.-The Virginia troops are all satisfied, and
have gone away highly pleased with their
experience in Camp George Washington.
Both officers and men nave profted in a
high degree by what they have seen and
taken part in, and we can go home and tell
the people of the State that the expense of
this trip was money we'll expended. We
gave you q sample of everything we have.
There we're the better part of three infant
~ regiments in camp, two artillery batteries,
two troops of cavelry, one mounted and one
dismounted and two colored companies"
On Saturday afternoon Gen. Anderson,
his staff, and all the field and line officers of
the Virginia brigade called on Gen. Augur
and were entertained at lunch by the lat
ter and his staff They then took formal
leave of Gel. Augur.
Col. Sposwood, of the First regiment re-
NAMED in order to be present this afternoon
10 receive a stand of colors won by the First
Virginia in the regimental competitive drill.
The stand consists of national and State
flags and guidons, all beautifully embroid-
cred.
As stated in the GAZETTE, the Vicksburg
Southrons and tho Memphis Zouaves on
Saturday paid visit to Warwick" Mr..
Frank Hume's country home They were
received with q salute Of thirty seven guns
from a field piece on the lawn. Mrs. Hume,
assisted by three lady friends, did the
honors, and very pleasant time resulted.
The band played, and exhibition drills were
given by both companies.
Yesterday afternoon at 8 o'clock an i'm
mense crowd, numbering not less than
10000 people, were crowded in that portion
ofthe drill enclosure and grand stand near
eat the temporary platform which had been
erected for the preacher, the Rev. t. De
Witt Talmage. Punctually on time the ser.
vices were opened with prayer by Rev.
Charles M. Payne, assistant rector of st.
Johns Parish. After music by the Marine
band, Mr.. Payne introduced DR.. Talmage.
He delivered most eloquent sermon.
The Marine band played several selections
before, during, and at the close Of the SER
vices.
Yesterday evening there was grand
dress parade.
To day from 10 to exhibition drills were
given by various companies At 8 o'clock
the prizes were awarded by Gen. Sheridan,
to whom the judges previously delivered
them in sealed envelopes addressed to the
successful companies. AT 5 o'clock there
will be dress parade, after which the camp
will be broken, the flag hauled down and
the National Drill and encampment have
passed into history.
Yesterday Lieut. Chase, of Company B,
vi luo w 1u'aubl(f ui0u a
protest against the drill of the National Ri
files, on the ground that Capt. Oyster and
other members Of the Rifles were present
and witnessed the infantry drill, contraryt to
the regulations. Lieut.. Mansen, who COM
manded the drill team, filed reply to the
protest, stating that Capt. Oyster was @
member Of the Generals staff, and if he was
on the ground was probably there under or.
ders, and that he had given positive orders
to his men not to 60 on the grounds and had
no knowledge of their having done so.
The CONSOLIDATED REVENUE DISTRICTS.
In noticing the consolidation of the fourth
with the sixth revenue district, the Staunton
indicator says: Collector Shepherds
duties, will be heavily increased. To the
400 fruit brandy distillers and thirty whis key
I. Il L,a